Is Your AC Ready for Summer? A Spring Maintenance Checklist

May 12, 2025

Keep Your Cool All Season Long with These Essential Tips

As the temperatures begin to climb, the last thing you want is to discover your air conditioner isn’t up to the task. At Custom Cooling & Heating, we know just how important it is to have a reliable, efficient AC system before the summer heat hits full force. That’s why we’ve put together this handy spring maintenance checklist—to help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure your comfort all season long. 


1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters 

Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and even lead to system breakdowns. Check your filters monthly and replace them at least every 1–3 months—more often if you have pets or allergies.   Please avoid highly restrictive filters where the media feels or looks like paper. 


2. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit 

Over the winter, leaves, branches, and other debris can pile up around your outdoor condenser unit. Make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clear space around it to allow for proper airflow and unit to be able to discharge the heat from your home into the outside air. 


3. Check Your Thermostat 

Now’s a great time to test your thermostat. Make sure it’s accurately reading your home’s temperature and set to cooling mode. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to boost efficiency, reduce energy bills or allow control remotely or Geo-fencing. 


4. Inspect Ductwork and Vents 

Leaks or blockages in your ductwork can waste energy and leave parts of your home uncomfortably warm. Look for visible gaps, listen for whistling sounds, and make sure all vents are open and unobstructed. 


5. Examine the Drain Line 

Your AC system pulls moisture from the air, and that water needs somewhere to go. Check your condensate drain line for clogs, which can cause water damage or system shutdowns if left untreated.  If your condensate line was originally a clear vinyl hose and it is dirty or discolored, then replace it to allow you to see future potential clogs or blockages. 


6. Look (and Listen) for Warning Signs 

Unusual noises, warm air blowing from vents, or uneven cooling throughout your home can all be signs that your system needs attention. Don’t ignore the warning signs—address them early to avoid bigger issues later. 


7. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up 

Even if everything seems fine, a spring tune-up by an HVAC professional is one of the best ways to keep your system running smoothly. At Custom Cooling & Heating, our experienced technicians will check refrigerant levels, tighten connections, clean, check & lubricate applicable parts, and more to ensure your AC is ready for the summer demand. 


Schedule Your Spring AC Tune-Up Today 

Beat the heat and enjoy peace of mind with help from the pros at Custom Cooling & Heating. Call us at 402-489-9227 or request service online to schedule your spring AC maintenance today! 

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Heating Your Home Efficiently: Best Practices for Lower Bills

November 12, 2025
As cold weather approaches in Nebraska, keeping your home warm without watching your energy bills skyrocket is a top priority. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we specialize in heating design, installation, maintenance, and repair services across Lincoln and surrounding communities. In this blog, we’ll walk through best practices to heat your home efficiently, lower energy costs, and prolong the life of your heating system. 1. Choose the Right Heating System for Your Home One of the biggest factors in efficiency is selecting the proper heating system based on your home’s size, insulation, ductwork, and climate. Whether you’re considering a high-efficiency furnace, a heat pump, or a hybrid system, proper sizing and design are crucial. Over‑sized systems may cycle on and off too frequently (wasting energy), while under‑sized systems may struggle to maintain comfort. 2. Perform Annual Maintenance & Tune‑Ups Even the best heating system loses efficiency if it isn’t maintained. For peak performance: Have your furnace or heat pump inspected and cleaned each year before peak use. Clean or replace air filters on schedule, every 1–3 months depending on model and usage. Order yours online through Custom Cooling & Heating here . Check for and seal duct leaks; leaky ducts waste heat by dumping warm air where it’s not needed. Make sure vents and registers are unobstructed by furniture, carpets, or drapes. Lubricate motors, tighten electrical connections, and confirm thermostat calibration. These steps ensure your system works less hard, reducing fuel or electricity use. 3. Optimize Thermostat Settings & Use Zoning Smart thermostat strategies can yield significant savings: Lower your thermostat when the home is unoccupied or overnight (e.g. 3–5° cooler). Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature changes. Consider zoning—divide your home into zones with separate thermostats, so you aren’t heating unused areas. Avoid frequently raising or lowering your thermostat drastically, as large swings force the system to work harder. Each degree you lower your thermostat can translate to noticeable savings over the heating season. 4. Improve Home Envelope & Insulation Your heating system’s effectiveness is only as good as your home’s ability to retain heat. A tight, well-insulated building envelope reduces heat losses and helps your system run less. Add or upgrade attic insulation. Seal gaps around windows, doors, and duct penetrations with caulk or weatherstripping. Use insulated curtains or window coverings. Insulate HVAC ductwork in unconditioned spaces (basements, attics). Consider adding storm doors/windows or better glazing in colder climates. Better insulation keeps the warmth in — resulting in lower heating demand. 5. Monitor Energy Usage & Take Advantage of Incentives Keep an eye on your monthly energy usage. If you notice spikes or trends upward, it may signal inefficiencies or failing components. Additionally: Check whether utility incentives, rebates, or tax credits are available when you replace a heating system with high-efficiency equipment. Many rebates apply for furnaces, heat pumps, or duct upgrades. Work with your HVAC contractor to ensure installations meet eligibility criteria. Smart upgrades now can pay off long term in lower bills and better system longevity. 6. Call on Professionals for Repairs & Upgrades If your heating system is underperforming—frequent cycling, uneven heating, loud noises, or rising bills—don’t wait until it fails. Call Custom Cooling & Heating for prompt repair or upgrade. Our licensed technicians offer residential heating repair, replacement, and preventive service across Lincoln and surrounding areas. We’re also BBB‑accredited with over 40 years in business. When you partner with experts, you ensure: Correct diagnosis of inefficiency sources Safe and optimized installation and repairs Long-term support and maintenance Heating Efficiently Isn’t Just About Comfort — It’s Smart Savings Heating your home efficiently in Nebraska’s colder months can make a big difference in your energy bills, system lifespan, and indoor comfort. By combining smart equipment choices, regular maintenance , good insulation, intelligent thermostat use, and professional services , you set yourself up for a warmer home and lower heating costs. If you’re ready to optimize your heating system or want an estimate on a new, efficient unit, contact us today. We’ll guide you through options tailored to your home, climate, and budget, so your heating bills stay in check all season long.

How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter

October 16, 2025
As winter approaches, making sure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is ready is essential. A properly maintained system keeps your home comfortable, saves energy, and helps avoid costly repairs when the cold hits hardest. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we provide heating and cooling design, installation, and service in Lincoln, Nebraska and the surrounding area. Here’s how you can get your HVAC ready for winter — and why choosing a reliable local HVAC company matters. 1. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up One of the most important steps is to have a technician inspect and tune up your HVAC system before the cold sets in. A professional winter check can include: Inspecting and cleaning the furnace or heat exchanger Checking the blower motor, belts, and bearings Testing safety controls, pilot light (if applicable), and gas connections Verifying thermostat calibration and settings This helps ensure your system runs efficiently and safely when you need it the most. 2. Replace or Clean Air Filters Clogged filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder, increasing energy costs and wear. For winter: Replace disposable filters or clean reusable filters Use high-quality filters (like pleated or HEPA, if compatible) Check filters monthly since heating systems run continuously This small step often yields big energy savings and better indoor air quality.